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In lugnet.robotics, Ben Jackson writes:
> I've been working on a tiny robot brick that I've nicknamed the "picoscout".
> The goal is to fit the key features of the Scout brick (the blue one) in a
> package the size of a light sensor. The plan is to have one pigtail for
> power, and 2 electrical pads on the top AND bottom for a total of 2 sensor
> inputs (probably touch only) and 2 motor outputs. I haven't quite figured
> out how to let you choose which builtin program to run, but it will probably
> be a recessed button on the bottom that you hold down when you apply power.
This sounds like an interesting idea. If you are looking for potential users
try the train groups. Allot of the train builders are trying various remote
control ideas for driving trains and operating track switches.
If I were thinking up a next generation brick I would move in the direction of
modularity. I woud try to come up with an external bus/power distribution
concept that would allow a smaller (possibly externally powered) CPU unit which
would have lots of memory and some way to connect it to other modules. The CPU
would have just a couple of buttons and leds and maybe an IR port. Modules
could include lcds, powered outputs, various sensors, and (here's a big one)
standard interface modules such as RS232, USB or ethernet. If you used a
standard bus you coul even hang disk off it. There are some micro drives that
could fit in a few bricks
Lester
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In lugnet.robotics, Lester Witter writes:
<snip>
> If I were thinking up a next generation brick I would move in the direction of
> modularity. I woud try to come up with an external bus/power distribution
> concept that would allow a smaller (possibly externally powered) CPU unit which
> would have lots of memory and some way to connect it to other modules. The CPU
> would have just a couple of buttons and leds and maybe an IR port. Modules
> could include lcds, powered outputs, various sensors, and (here's a big one)
> standard interface modules such as RS232, USB or ethernet. If you used a
> standard bus you coul even hang disk off it. There are some micro drives that
> could fit in a few bricks
>
> Lester
I thought this sort of system was actually being worked on by members of
LUGNET? I am sure there were several very long and very detailed discussions
not too long ago.
The "picoscout" sounds very cool to me. However, it sounds like there won't
be any sort of user programming capability allowed. This fact coupled with
the suggested price would make it a bit less attractive to me. Although it
would be cool to have a light sensor sized scout :)
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